Travelsmartplanet

If you are an aficionado of cigars, bourbon and local craft beer you are going to want to head to Fredericksburg Fairgrounds on August 18th for an amazing day at the Cigar, Bourbon and Brew Festival.

The festival features 20 craft beers from local Fredericksburg Breweries,  bourbons from all across the country and some homegrown, produced in Virginia, and a select number of Virginia Wineries and Cideries, and a notable selection of cigars.

Known as Fredericksburg’s premier cigar event, this festival features an impressive selection of cigar brands including: Drew Estate, Perdomo, Fartello, Romeo Y  Julieta, Montecristo, Miami Cigars and Esteban Carreras.

If you have a passion for bourbon, you will appreciate the extraordinary representation of spirits being showcased from all across the country. Over  30 different samples from 20 different distilleries including: Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Belmont Farm Distillery, Virginia Sweetwater Distillery, KO Distilling, Catoctin Creek, Copper Fox Distillery, Filibuster Distillery, Maker’s Mark, Basil Hayden, River Hill Distillery, Reservoir Distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Booker’s, Bulleit Bourbon, Jefferson’s, Baker’s and Knob Creek.

Craft brewers from the around the Fredericksburg area will be on hand with 20 craft beers for sampling of some of their award winning beers. For those of you who prefer a glass of wine or hard cider there will be a select number of Virginia Wineries and Cideries sampling their award winning beverages as well.

Whether it’s stogies, whiskey, craft brews, wine or hard cider, there’s something for everyone including food vendors serving up some great festival style foods and craft expos as well as live music from Redneck Pool Party and  Kingbolts on the main stage. This event supports Community Outreach Inc. For Tickets: community-outreach-14908279529

 Location: Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg VA 22401
Date: Sat, Aug 18, 2018
Time: 4pm – 9pm
Tel: 540-373-1294
cigarbourbonbeer.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitfred.com

The fifth annual Wild Vibes Festival, featuring a full day in nature It takes place at Spring Hill Farm in South Berwick, Maine which is just a short drive away from Portsmouth. It’s nestled in the lush landscape of the Seacoast on a family-run farm, with over 60 waterfront acres of rolling hills and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Celebrated as one of New England’s favorite Yoga, Music, & Arts Festival, Wild Vibes features a diverse line-up of teachers, presenters, and performers. Experience a jam-packed day of live music, inspiring workshops, unique yoga classes including SUP yoga and paddle boarding, local artisans, Roots Village for tasty treats and refreshing beverages, and you can drop off your kids at Wild Vibes Kids Camp.

Enhance your natural state with the ultimate day of creativity, movement, music, art, wellness and community in this serene setting. Venture in the dreamers den, practice yoga on the water, and get your groove on under the open sky. Check out the schedule for amazing and inspiring workshops: wildvibes.org/workshop

A kid-friendly event, Wild Vibes Festival offers something for everyone. A portion of festival proceeds benefit Puresa Humanitarian Foundation and Yoga & Cancer SATYA. Kids ages 12 & under FREE.

Location: Spring Hill Farm, 117 Pond Rd, South Berwick, ME 03908
Date: Sat, July 28th, 2018
Time: 12pm – 8pm
wildvibes.org
For regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: portsmouthnh.com

Join The Maggie Society on May 5th for Cinco de Barko, a family friendly, dog friendly afternoon of fun, food and music all to support a worthy cause.

If you’re an animal lover, grab a tailgating chair, the kids and the dog’s leash and get ready to PAWTY!

Along with the amazing Steve Hardy providing the tunes, food trucks will be on site so make sure to show up hungry. (Valid ID required for adult beverage purchases)

Other event activities include: bounce house, crafts (for children), PAWtraits (for the furry guests), silent auction, demonstrations, photo booth, Maggie Gear and adoptable dogs.

Kids 10 and under Free Admission.

Proceeds will go to: The Maggie SocietyCanine Rescue, Rehabilitation, & Education

Location: 210 Tarboro St. West, Wilson, NC 27893 (The “Grassy Lot”)
Date: Sat,  May 5, 2018
Time: 4 – 7pm
themaggiesociety.com/current-events.html
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: wilson-nc.com

on’t miss the 10th Anniversary Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman Corporation, benefiting the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore (USO-Metro), a military support organization. Kick off is on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 1:30 pm at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis matching a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against an opponent from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and will be televised nationally on ESPN.

The game day festivities kicks off  at 9:30 am with one of Annapolis’ newest traditions: the Military Bowl Parade, featuring The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.  They will lead the parade procession – along with Medal of Honor recipients, mascots, and team bands – from City Dock in downtown Annapolis to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium as part of the many special events throughout the day.The Official Military Bowl Tailgate kicks off in the Blue Lot on the west side of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Admission to the tailgate is free and will feature music, games, food & beverages from fantastic Annapolis restaurants, and exciting giveaways for the first arrivals. In addition, there’s also the 3rd Annual Bud & Burger Battle (held from 10:30 am-12:30 pm) where you can sample some of Annapolis’ favorite burgers before voting for your favorite.

Fan Bowl Week in Annapolis:

Wednesday, December 27

• Military Bowl Eve Bar Crawl
• Military Bowl Eve Wine Walk

Thursday, December 28

• Military Bowl Parade
• Military Bowl Tailgate

For more than 70 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been the way for the American people to say thank you to our nation’s service men and women and their families.

To purchase tickets: militarybowl.org/tickets/#!

Location: U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis
Date: Thurs, December 28, 2017
Time: Kick off 1:30 (doors open at 12:00)
Tel: 202-776-2919
militarybowl.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitannapolis.org

Looking for a great night out while you are on route…this dinner theatre will fit the bill. At Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant you can enjoy a great buffet, an entertaining play and a fun-filled cabaret all under the same roof. The air conditioned, handicap accessible theatre is conveniently located at the foot of the Newport Bridge and has plenty of parking.

Their expansive buffet does not skimp on quality or selection. Feast on a large variety of hot and cold foods, main entrees, side dishes, beverages and homemade desserts and everything is prepared on the premises.  Alcohol is available table-side or at the bar.

After dinner stroll into the theater, where you have reserved seating,  for a delightful comedy. After the play, return to the dining room for a cabaret filled with songs and laughter.

Now Playing: The Crazy Time – A laugh-filled look at the joys and perils of May/December romances. Miles has left his wife Kate for a younger woman whose youthful lifestyle is both exciting and exhausting. Kate has found a way to deal with her loss. Throw in a daughter with her own marital problems and Miles’ scheming business partner Jerry, and you have all the makings of a full-fledged struggle between the sexes, as Kate and Miles deal with what they each have lost and gained.

You have the choice to purchase Dinner Theatre or Theatre only tickets. The Newport Playhouse and Cabaret gives you a lot of bang for your buck, a full night (or afternoon) of entertainment.

Location: Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant, 102 Connell Highway,
Newport, RI 02840
Dates: Thurs, Oct 12 – Sun, Nov 19, 2017
Times: Matinee or Evening depending on the day
Tel: 401-848-7529
newportplayhouse.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: goprovidence.com

The 10th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown is a professional cooking competition based on KCBS categories (chicken, pork ribs, pork & beef brisket). Awards include Grand Champion, Reserved Grand Champion, and People’s Choice Award. Cash awards, trophies and plaques awarded up to 10th place in each category. There will be 58 opportunities to win.

The Friday night Kick Off Party includes a Kick Off Concert featuring Who’s Bad- The Ultimate Michael Jackson tribute band  held in downtown Rocky Mount. KCBS representatives will be present and competition judging starts at noon on Saturday, October 14, using the blind judging technique. This is a party you don’t want to miss, with plenty of delicious food, beverages, and great entertainment. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come have some fun.

Schedule of Events:

Location: 101 Coastline St, Downtown Rocky Mount,NC  27804 – in front of the Helen P. Gay Historic Rocky Mount Train Station
Date & Time: Fri, Oct. 13 – Sat, Oct. 14, 2017
Time: Fri 12 pm – 8 pm, Sat 10 am – 6 pm
Tel: 252-972-1159
downtownrockymount.com/events/eastern-carolina-bbq-throwdown
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: rockymounttravel.com

The word is out pig lovers won’t want to miss this one: the  DeLand Bacon and Brew Fest. Who does not like Bacon or Beer, a match made in heaven. There will be approximately 125 food and beverage vendors, variety of live music, and the event will play homage to all things bacon with a wide variety of bacon dishes, along with bacon-related and bacon inspired contests.

Imagine bacon, craft beer, wineries, and lots of vendors with their products. Indulge in mouth watering bacon-y deliciousness. You could buy bacon or beer jam, bacon-stuffed pretzels, sample bacon cupcakes, and purchase chocolate covered bacon—that’s just for starters. Many of the regular market vendors spiked their production line to include bacon in some way, whether in fudge, a cheese dip, or a cinnamon roll—or in one of 14 different varieties of bacon itself. Bacon Eating Contest at 2pm.

A portion of the proceeds will go to The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, so bring on the bacon!

Location: Earl Brown Park, 750 S Alabama Ave, DeLand, FL 32724
Date: Sat, Sept 30
Time: 1 – 7pm
Tel: 386-316-2959
baconandbrewfestdeland.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions:daytonabeach.com
visitnsbfl.com

The 2nd annual Clean Water PaddleFEST in Annapolis is to celebrate and bring awareness to clean up efforts in Spa Creek while enjoying a day full of fun.

Paddle at your own pace or take a guided on-water tour of Spa Creek. Guided tours available at 2pm. See educational stops along Spa Creek detailing conservation efforts which aim to make it again fishable and swimmable. Afterwards attend the Eco-Fest with informative exhibits from area environment groups with plenty of activities for kids.

All human powered paddlers and vessels are welcome to attend. Bring your own craft or use a stand up paddle board or kayak from Capital SUP. There will be a mass paddle and foot show of support for clean water in Spa Creek at 12 noon, on and in the water around the Spa Creek bridge.

Fun activities and prizes for all ages. Kid and dog friendly. All proceeds benefit Spa Creek Conservancy.

Your ticket includes:

On-water guided or self tour
Food BBQ beverages
Wine and beer
Event tee shirt
Admission to EcoFEST
Dry Bags to first 200 ticket holders
Live Music from 1-3pm

Location:Capital SUP on Spa Creek, 808 Boucher Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403
Date: Sat, Sept 16, 2017
Time:  11  – 4pm
spacreek.net/index.php/events/special-events
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitannapolis.org

This is more than just a mud run it’s the biggest, baddest, muddiest party in town. This year’s  MudFest race will be 5 miles or 5 kilometers of mud and obstacles, each year is bigger and better, runners will face some new challenges, more surprises, twists, turns and of course more MUD than ever.

The JCB MudFest is designed for and geared toward having fun, getting muddy, and getting your heartbeat up. There will be some serious mud pits to slosh through, some other man-made, and natural obstacles to conquer. Parts of the lake may be over 6 feet deep. There will be ropes and other tricky ways to get across and there’s always ways to go around any obstacle including the lake.

The Mud Run race starts in waves. Approximately 25 teams go at a time, with a 3 minute lag between each wave. Parking is free so come out and support the participants and the cause. When you’re running with an extra 10 pounds of mud on your shoes it’s appreciated to have people cheering you on from the sidelines.

The Post Race Party begins as soon as the first teams finish in the Party Pit, where you can watch the finish and enjoy food and drinks that are included for race participants as part of the registration fee. If you’re planning on just watching all of the action, you can partake in the frosty beverages and delectable food for a $10 donation to The Lady Bamford Center.

Highlights include: Each participant receives a custom t-shirt, Over 30+ epic obstacles, access into the Party Pit, professional race photos, live chip timed results, Free Beer for those 21+, overall & age division awards, live music following the event, Free post-race food and drink.

Schedule:  (Subject to Change)
6:30AM: Packet Pickup & Late Registration Opens
7:15AM: Costume Contest @ JCB Events Trailer
7:50AM: Kiddie Muddobbers Mud Run @ Finish line (FREE)
8:00AM-8:20AM: Mudfest 5k & 5 Mile Competitive Waves #1-#5 Start (5 minute increments)
8:25AM-9:30AM: Mudfest 5k & 5 Mile Recreational Waves #6-#19 Start (5 minute increments)
8:05AM: Party Pit Music Starts
8:30AM: Food and Beverage Vendors Open
12:00PM: Awards Ceremony

Location: JCB North American Headquarters, 2000 Bamford Blvd, Pooler, GA 31322
Date: Sat, June 17, 2017
Hours: 7:15am – 12:30pm
Tel: 912-447-2000
jcbmudfest.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitsavannah.com

What started out as a family get together has turned into a great community event. The  12th annual Uncle Gary’s Rock & Rib Fest is a labor of love. Uncle Gary’s lost his 3-year-old daughter 14 years ago to cancer and Started this BBQ event in her honor and to benefit the Kids Cancer Foundation.

This feel good festival has fun for the whole family including: great live music featuring three live bands throughout the day, dancing, bounce houses, kid’s Fun-zone, face painting, balloon artist, playgrounds, grab bags, games and prizes for the kids and adults, raffles, auction, Pet Rescue Puppies petting zone, princesses and super heroes.

Don’t forget the delectable BBQ foods: yummy baby back ribs, smoked pork tenderloins, burgers, chicken, hot dogs, side dishes and cold beverages.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, sunblock and kids to this  admission free event that is so much more than just a chance to have fun with the family, eat ribs and barbecue and listen to local bands. All proceeds will be donated to the Royal Palm Beach-based Kids Cancer Foundation.

Location: Wellington Amphitheater. 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414
Date: Sat, April 1, 2017
Hours: 2 – 9pm
unclegarysrockandribfest.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: palmbeachfl.com